Consul General of France to honor Veterans at Fort Sam Houston

Fort Sam Houston} is hosting a “Salute to Veterans” ceremony and celebration for all military veterans, family and friends in the greater San Antonio area Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The celebration is highlighted by the consul General of France, Sujiro Seam, presenting the medal of Knight in the order of the Legion of Honor to 19 WWII Veterans.

Veterans who will be receiving the Legion of Honor

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Fort Sam Houston is one of the Army’s oldest and most historic installations and is the strategic hub for a diverse set of Army commands.

The medal of the Legion of Honor

The history of the award stems back to 1802, after all French orders of Chivalry were abolished during the French Revolution.

Napoleon Bonaparte, who was then the First Consul of the First French Republic, instituted a new order as a way to recognize merit, the National Order of the Legion of Honor: this was meant to reward civilians and soldiers who had achieved great things in the service of France.

Since its creation, the award has remained the highest, most prestigious, decoration in France. It is given solely as a recognition of merit or bravery, being open to men and women of all ranks and professions.

A few years ago, France decided to follow a more active policy of awarding this medal to American veterans of WWII. On November 14th , during a ceremony at Fort Sam Houston, the Consul General of France in Houston will present the medal to19 WWII veterans, in recognition of their contribution to the liberation of France during WWII. In order to be eligible for the award, it is necessary to have served during WWII campaigns on French soil.

The “Salute to Veterans” ceremony is also free and open to the public. However personal ID will be required to gain access to the base.

The ceremony will take place at the McArthur Field, which is accessible through the Harry Wurzbach Road gate.